Island in the Sky is the most accessible district of Canyonlands National Park, a flat-topped mesa that rises about a thousand feet above the surrounding White Rim bench and far above the rivers. From the visitor center the paved road runs south along the mesa to a series of overlooks. Grand View Point looks over the confluence country, Green River Overlook peers into the canyon, and Upheaval Dome is a puzzling crater that geologists still debate. The star short walk is Mesa Arch, a half-mile loop to an arch on the cliff edge that frames the canyons below, and where photographers gather at sunrise to see the underside of the arch glow orange. The drive from Moab takes about forty minutes to the visitor center, and an audio driving tour, linked here, narrates the stops if you want more than the signs provide.
This is a big-scale park, and it rewards driving slowly. Most of the interest is on the rim, so a half-day covers the main overlooks, and a full day allows time for the Mesa Arch loop, a rim hike or the Upheaval Dome trail. The Colorado River and Green River are far below, so the overlooks feel more like looking down from an aircraft than from a hillside. Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom.
Winter conditions matter here. The visitor center is open year-round, but in the cold season it keeps shortened hours and is closed on Christmas Day, and water is available at Island in the Sky only when the visitor center is open. Paved roads can close briefly after snow, and the Shafer Trail, the dirt switchback road down to the White Rim, is often impassable in winter. Snow can also hide trail cairns, so hike with care and carry traction on icy sandstone.
Canyonlands charges its own entrance fee, and an annual park pass covers Arches and Canyonlands together, which is good value if you plan to see both. There is no food or fuel in the district, so stock up in Moab. Combine Island in the Sky with Dead Horse Point State Park, which is on the same road, for the best single day of viewpoints.
What to expect
The experience
A scenic drive along a high mesa with roadside overlooks and a few short walks, including the half-mile Mesa Arch loop.
Best time
Sunrise at Mesa Arch is the famous time, but midday is fine for the overlooks. In winter, go when the road is clear and the visitor center is open.
How long
Four to six hours for the main overlooks and Mesa Arch; a full day with a longer hike.
Tips
Bring water and food from Moab, check the park's winter hours and road conditions, and wear traction on icy rock.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants huge canyon views with minimal hiking.
- Families
- Overlooks and Mesa Arch are easy, but keep children well back from unfenced rim edges.
- Couples
- Mesa Arch at sunrise, then breakfast back in Moab, or an afternoon at Grand View Point.
- Pair with
- Dead Horse Point State Park on the same road, and a stargazing evening.
- Time needed
- Half a day plus the drive from Moab.
Good questions
How far is Island in the Sky from Moab?+
It is about forty minutes by car from Moab to the visitor center, and the overlooks are farther along the mesa road. Plan on a full day if you also visit Dead Horse Point.
What is Mesa Arch?+
A natural arch on the edge of the mesa, reached by a short loop walk of about half a mile. It is famous for sunrise glow on its underside and for the canyon views through it.
Is the park open in winter?+
Yes, Island in the Sky is open year-round with winter visitor center hours, closed on Christmas Day. Snow and ice can briefly close paved roads and make trails slick.
Can I drive the Shafer Trail?+
It is a rough dirt road that is often impassable in winter because of snow and ice. Check with the park, and consider a guided tour or a high-clearance vehicle in good conditions.
Is there water in the park?+
Water is available at the Island in the Sky visitor center when it is open. There is no food or fuel, so bring supplies from Moab.
